Common Facts about Dentures from Your Livonia Dentist

Posted by

shutterstock_120486466Before you receive your first set of dentures, take care to learn a little more these tooth replacements. Many people have a few misunderstandings when it comes to dentures. Luckily, your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, is here to eliminate those misconceptions with the following information.

What You Need to Know about Your New Dentures

  • No tooth replacement lasts forever. Even the most permanent of tooth replacement options—the dental implant—still requires regular maintenance and possibly even replacement. This rule applies even more to dentures since the base tends to stretch after a couple of years. If the denture isn’t readjusted, the pieces could fall our during use or cause mouth sores due to an improper fit.
  • Dental visits still occur. Denture wearers should still visit the dentist at least once a year. This allows the dentist to see how the dentures fit, make any adjustments (if necessary), and answer any questions you may have. Plus, a visit to your Livonia dentist is the perfect opportunity to check your gum health. Even with out natural teeth, your gums can still become infected from the bacteria prevalent on the dentures.
  • Not noticeable. The concern for many new denture patients is that everyone will know they’re wearing a tooth replacement. This is untrue. A well-fitting denture goes unnoticed.
  • Return to normal activities comfortably. Without a full set of teeth everyday activities, such as eating, talking, and even laughing becomes an issue. Once you become acclimated to the dentures, those tasks will no longer prove problematic.
  • Using adhesives is helpful. While dentures come manufactured to exact size, a little extra support never hurt anyone. When placing your dentures, use a strong denture adhesive, such as Poligrip or a similar product. The added security makes your dentures even more functional.
  • You get what you pay for. Dentures come in variety of options; however, the tried and true expression: you get what you pay for truly applies. While the cheaper options may seem like the better deal, those wear-out quickly, and you’ll end-up spending more money replacing the pieces than you’ll get to wear them. Instead, opt for a more expensive variety. The initial cost will run higher, yet the lifetime of those dentures is prolonged.

Talk to Your Livonia Dentist to Learn More about Dentures

If you’re in need of a tooth replacement option and have considered dentures, consult with your Livonia dentist. Dr. Stewart can examine your mouth and determine which type of denture would suit you best. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

filed under: Oral Health, Restorative Dentistry

Tags: ,

Helpful Exercises for Snoring Cessation from Your Livonia Dentist

Posted by

snoringIf someone in your family snores, then you’re probably seeking snoring cessation tricks. Snoring is a side effect of weak throat tissues. To strengthen those muscles, your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, suggests some snoring cessation exercises to reduce nighttime snoring.

These Tips Can Improve Your Snoring Symptoms

  • Purse your lips. Though pursing your lips may not seem like a helpful snoring-reducing tip, the act actually helps alleviate snoring. Simply purse your lips for 30 seconds and repeat periodically during the day.
  • Didgeridoo. This Australian instrument works wonders for relieving snoring symptoms. Learning how to the play the didgeridoo helps strengthen the muscles in your throat and nose that control breathing. The stronger those muscles become, the less you’re likely to snore.
  • Sing. By singing (regardless of how well) you’re coordinating synchronized movement in the mouth, throat, soft palate, and lungs. Much like playing the didgeridoo, you’re strengthening those muscles to decrease the possibility of weakened esophageal muscles as you sleep—the root cause of snoring.
  • Move your uvula. When the uvula relaxed, the muscles in that area tends to block your airways, thus, causing snoring. Yet, with frequent uvula strengthening exercises, you can prevent those tissues from giving out throughout the night. To complete this snoring cessation tip your Livonia dentist recommends using a mirror to see your uvula. Then, contract those tissues until the uvula moves up and down.
  • Reposition your tongue. Place your tongue behind your teeth and slide it back until you feel your hard palate. Continue to do this several times in one sitting and throughout the day. This opens up your throat more, which helps reduce snoring.

Livonia Dentist Teaches Patients about Snoring and its Causes

Snoring is typically the sign of a larger issue. If you or someone in your family is heavy snorer and you would like more information on snoring cessation treatments, talk your Livonia dentist. During an evaluation, Dr. Stewart can determine the cause of snoring and find a way to alleviate it. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

filed under: Just for Fun, Sleep Apnea

Tags: , ,

Kiddo Snoring? Your Livonia Dentist Explains Possible Causes

Posted by

child sleepingChildren can have some strange nighttime tendencies. Some sleepwalk and others talk in their sleep; yet, what most children don’t do is snore in their sleep. A child who snores loudly every night is probably suffering from a larger issue.

While snoring may not seem like a problem, the lack of oxygen each night may leave your kiddo tired throughout the morning. Bottom line, if it’s a persistent habit, then a visit to the dentist is in order to determine the cause. Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist highlights the common reasons for childhood snoring.

Your Child Might Have One of These Ailments

  • The common cold. If your kiddo is enduring the common cold or even allergies, then they might experience some nighttime snoring. A cold or even allergy season tends to cause a build-up of mucus. This build-up can block airways to prevent your child from breathing properly. In these instances, simply wait until the cold has passed or until their allergies have been controlled. If your child still display symptoms of snoring after addressing the aforementioned problems, consult with Dr. Stewart.
  • Enlarged tonsils. The main function of the tonsils is to stave off airborne viruses. Due to this, tonsils tend to become infected and enlarged, which can cause snoring. If enlarged tonsils is the cause of your child’s nighttime snoring, your Livonia dentist may recommend removal altogether.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea. A common misconception about sleep apnea is that the sleeping disorder only affects adults. However, about four percent of children suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA. Take care to notice how your child sleeps. If they pause, gasp, or stop breathing several times throughout the night, this could point to OSA. In such cases, Dr. Stewart urges patients to bring in the child for an evaluation.

Learn More about Nighttime Snoring in Children

If your child is enduring nighttime snoring, take care to visit your Livonia dentist. Dr. Stewart can examine your child to determine what the source of the snoring. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

filed under: Children's Dentistry, Sleep Apnea

Tags: , ,

Diagnosing OSA: Livonia Dentist Tells You How

Posted by

man with a lack of sleepWhat’s an average night’s sleep for you? If it’s not restful, you may feel tired throughout the day. Though trouble sleeping is a fairly common ailment, patients who snore excessively and constantly feel groggy or irritable, may suffer from a condition called obstructive sleep apnea (or OSA). This sleeping disorder keeps sufferers having a successful night’s sleep.

While patients usually don’t know they have OSA, a few studies can confirm it’s presence. Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, explains which tests and examinations prove you have OSA.

Tests and Examinations that Can Determine if You Have OSA

  • Medical history. Before the doctor can diagnose you with OSA, he needs to know what your everyday sleeping pattern looks like. He may ask you to keep a sleep journal for a couple of weeks. In this journal you should highlight how much you sleep each night and how many naps you take throughout the day. Additionally, include any nighttime tendencies, such as snoring, gasping, or choking. While you may not know if you have any of these habits, your spouse or partner can help you complete those inquiries.

  • Physical exam. Once your sleeping journal is underway, your Livonia dentist will want to examine your nose, throat, and mouth for growths or blockages. These issues tend to occur more frequently in children with enlarged tonsils. However, adults can encounter similar problems by having an enlarge uvula or soft palate.

  • Partaking in sleep studies. For sleep studies, patients undergo one or both types: a polysomnogram (or PSG) or a home-based monitor. The PSG records four main areas: brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, and blood pressure. A PSG test will also take into account how much air you’re taking in. Though Dr. Stewart won’t conduct the sleep study in his office, sleep labs and centers can perform the test and send the dentist the results.
    The home-based monitor records similar data: oxygen levels in your blood, air movement and intake, heart rate, and chest movement. The device is kept in your home to allow you to sleep in a comfortable, familiar setting. Once the necessary data is collected, the doctor formulates an appropriate treatment plan.

Talk to Your Livonia Dentist about Sleep Apnea Detection

If you believe you may suffer from OSA and would like more information on how to test for the sleeping disorder, visit your Livonia dentist. Dr. Stewart can conduct sleep studies and perform in-office check-ups to determine if you have sleep apnea. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

filed under: Sleep Apnea

Tags: , ,

Livonia Dentist Suggest Headache Relief Techniques for Patients

Posted by

acupunctureDo you suffer from frequent headaches? Then perhaps you can find relief naturally. With several medication-free methods, you can lessen the frequency of your headaches. Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist offers his patients some alternative headache therapy techniques.

Helpful Methods for Alleviating a Headache

  • Massage. Though massaging may only provide temporary relief, it does work immediately. Your Livonia dentist recommends rubbing your neck, temples, head, and shoulders since these areas tend to carry the most tension.
  • Acupuncture. This ancient practice can trigger certain nerves throughout the body, which promote relaxation and alleviates pain. Many patients find the treatments helpful; plus, the cost is more than affordable for nearly anyone.
  • Hot and cold. As one of the simplest methods for headache therapy, using heating pads and ice packs tops the list. For tension-based headaches, place a heating pad at the base of your neck to relax those muscles. You can also use a cold pack on your forehead to constrict the inflamed blood vessels, which occurs during headaches.
  • Meditation. Your headache could stem from stress, which means finding a way to relax could help alleviate the discomfort. If you’re interested in trying meditation, find a quiet, distraction-free space to clear your mind everyday. Over time, you’ll notice a decrease in your stress level and headaches.
  • Yoga. Care for a little stretching? Studies have shown that patients who practice yoga experience less headaches and fewer bouts of anxiety. Yoga promotes meditation alongside a more flexible, relaxed body.
  • Botox. More commonly known for fighting wrinkles and maintaining a youthful look, Botox has been proven to help alleviate headaches. Those who suffer from chronic migraines also find great relief in Botox treatments. Though injections do run high ($350 per one) many insurance companies cover the cost, if the patient can’t find another headache relief method.

Learn More about Headache Relief Your Livonia Dentist

For more information on headache relief techniques and to learn common causes of headaches, talk to your Livonia dentist. Dr. Stewart can find the cause of your headaches and offer more remedies to manage the pain and discomfort. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

filed under: General, Healthy Living, Just for Fun

Tags: ,

Livonia Dentist Says, OSA Affects the Entire Body, Not Just Your Sleep

Posted by

risk potentialHave you been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? Then you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Sleep apnea can present many problems with your overall health. To teach his patients about the risk factors of untreated OSA, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist provides the following information.

Untreated OSA Increases Your Risk of the Following

  • Heart attack. Patients who suffer sleep apnea lose a lot of oxygen while they sleep. When the blood doesn’t receive a healthy amount of oxygen, the heart automatically begins to work harder in order to compensate. This nightly strain on the heart eventually causes blood pressure to maintain elevated throughout the day. When combined, these ailments can place patients at risk for heart attacks.
  • Depression. A lack of sleep can negatively affect your mood. Patients with OSA tend to lose interest in everyday activities and may even feel helplessness. In these instances, women with OSA were more likely to experience depression than men.
  • Diabetes. Just like gum disease, sleep apnea has recently been liked to diabetes. Even with moderate cases, the likelihood of developing diabetes doubles for sleep apnea patients.
  • Stoke. Much like the increased heart attack risk, patients with untreated sleep apnea can increase their risk of stroke. Insufficient oxygen to the brain can wreak havoc on brain tissue and overall brain function.
  • Decreased libido. The consistent lack of restful sleep can seriously decrease your sex drive. Women tend to experience a decrease in testosterone levels and men suffer erectile dysfunction. Though treatment can help save your life, it can also revive your libido.
  • Pregnancy complications. For pregnant women, OSA can take a toll on your baby’s health. Studies have shown that women with sleep apnea tend to require C-sections due to high blood pressure. Additionally, those babies were more likely to require time in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for OSA Treatment

For more information on OSA and possible treatment options, contact your Livonia dentist. Dr. Stewart can discuss which methods prove most effective. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

filed under: Healthy Living, Sleep Apnea

Tags: ,

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Can Affect Kids Too, Says Livonia Dentist

Posted by

little boy sleepingObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects many adults throughout the U.S. every year. However, children can also have same sleep-time ailment. In fact, up-to 4% children between the ages of two and eight suffer from OSA. Parents who believe their children could have the sleep disorder should contact their Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, soon for a consultation.

Signs that May Indicate Childhood Obstructive Sleep Apnea

  • Mouth breathing. Oftentimes, obstructive sleep apnea stems from blockages in the nasal cavity. This blockage could keep your child from being able to breathe from his or her nose, forcing them to breathe from their mouths each night. If notice your child only breathes from his or her mouth, they may have OSA.
  • Odd sleeping positions. Does your child sleep in a strange position? Children who suffer from OSA tend to sleep with an arched back—in a hyper-extended manner, of sorts. This allow the airways to open up and could help them have a better night’s sleep. However, if their peculiar sleeping position persist, take care to visit your Livonia dentist.
  • Behavioral problems. Both kids and adults who have OSA usually don’t receive a good night’s sleep. Notice if your child is particularly irritable, cranky, or frustrated as this could point to OSA. Also, a lack of good sleep can cause children to do poorly in school. The sooner the problem is taken care of, the sooner your kids can get back to a normal sleeping routine.
  • Persistent infections. If your child’s OSA stems from a blockage in the tonsils or adenoids, then they’ll have frequent infections in those areas, plus, constant ear infections. Should your child endure many infections and often, they may require the attention of dentist to improve their symptoms.
  • Breathing stops. A common sleep apnea symptom is hiccup in breathing throughout the night; sleep apnea in kids is no different. Parents who notice their children temporarily stop breathing in the night, should see Dr. Stewart as soon as possible.

Talk to Your Livonia Dentist about Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Your Kiddos

If believe your child is suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, visit your Livonia dentist for treatment options. Dr. Stewart can discuss which method works best for children to help you decide which route to take. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

filed under: Children's Dentistry, Sleep Apnea, TMJ

Tags: ,

Livonia Dentist Discusses Causes for Tooth Discolorations in Kids

Posted by

cute little girl with a great smileMany people pay a fairly high premium to have one visit teeth whitening procedures completed. In fact, teeth bleaching has become one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. Yet, perhaps those treatments could have been avoided had their childhood dietary choices been different. Oftentimes, tooth stains, like those from fluorosis, follow patients throughout their lives. If you have children, then your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, offers some tips on how to keep your kid’s teeth bright and white and free of stains.

These Foods Can Stain Your Child’s Teeth

If you’ve noticed you child’s teeth have darkened recently, their diet and teeth cleaning habits might have something to do with it. Your Livonia one visit teeth whitening dentist suggests monitoring the consumption of the following items and their daily brushing routine to reduce the dental stains.

  • Early tooth decay. Children need guidance when brushing their teeth. An improper technique can increase the amount of plaque build-up, which leads to cavities. Plus, without a consistent teeth cleaning regimen, teeth begin to yellow and stain.
  • Sodas. Kids who drink too much soda tend to experience a weakening in the enamel. This allows two things to occur: stained teeth and tooth erosion. Try limiting their soda intake and encourage choosing water instead of soda or similar beverages.
  • Medications. Some antibiotics can cause dental staining, such as tetracycline. Mothers who take tetracycline during pregnancy make the baby more susceptible to tooth stains.
  • Multivitamins. Ensuring your kids have the vitamins they need to grow is essential. However, vitamins that contain higher levels of iron could leave them with dark spots on their teeth.
  • Hot beverages. Did you know that both your teeth and skin have porous qualities? Drinking a hot beverage is similar to taking a hot bath. When your skin is soaked in hot water, your pores open up; teeth function in a similar manner. With a hot beverage, your teeth’s natural pores open and become more susceptible to staining, especially kid’s teeth. If they’re enjoying a hot drink, wait a few minutes to allow some of the heat to dissipate.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Excellent Pediatric Dentistry

Your kids can have healthier smiles with the help of your Livonia one visit tooth whitening dentist. Establishing good oral habits and a healthy diet is the key to ensure your children has a life-long healthy smile. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

filed under: Children's Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Healthy Living, Oral Health

Tags: , ,

Enamel Microabrasion Can Remove Surface Stains, Says Livonia Dentist

Posted by

woman smiling with white teethWould you like a beautiful, lustrous smile? Then consider a couple of teeth whitening treatments. Although having an in-office whitening procedure does prove quite effective, bleaching may not rid your smile of every stain. Therefore, a doctor may recommend enamel microabrasion to ensure you receive top-notch results. Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist explains enamel microabrasion and the benefits of the procedure.

Combating Extrinsic Dental Stains

People who have dental stains tend to one or both types of stains: intrinsic or extrinsic. An intrinsic dental stain is one that lives behind the enamel. These stains can occur from certain medications or an excess of fluoride. Intrinsic stains prove quite difficult to remove, yet some whitening treatments, like the KöR bleaching system, can reduce their appearance. Patients should keep in mind, however, that intrinsic stains may not take to a teeth whitening treatment.

An extrinsic stain is one that lives on the surface of the tooth. These stem from certain foods, beverages, and habits like smoking. Typically, when a patient receives a whitening treatment, these stains come off with ease. However, by using both a bleaching treatment and enamel microabrasion—a stain removal method—patients can see a noticeable difference in their smiles.

Combine Teeth Whitening with Enamel Microabrasion for the Brightest Smile

Enamel microabrasion is a method, like teeth whitening, used to remove darker surface stains from teeth. With enamel microabrasion, a compound is applied to the enamel and removed with a dental buffer. This eliminates any yellow, brown, or white spots from the enamel, leaving the surface free of stains.

Many patients also opt for a bleaching treatment after the enamel microabrasion is complete to ensure their smiles become brilliantly white. Once your Livonia dentist has completed both procedures, your teeth should appear much whiter and brighter than before.

Livonia Dentist Offers Exceptional Teeth Whitening Treatments

If you’re planning on having a teeth whitening treatment, using two approaches may produce more noticeable results. For more information on enamel microabrasion, consult with Dr. Stewart. He can highlight all the details of the procedures in his Livonia practice. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Technology

Tags: ,

Livonia Dentist Offers Patients Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers

Posted by

woman smilingPorcelain veneers continue to increase in popularity—especially amongst celebrities. These thin, all-porcelain shells can turn any ordinary smile into a million-dollar one. In fact, beloved actors, such as Tom Cruise, Ben Affleck, and even Hilary Duff have opted for the cosmetic dental procedure.

Even with the praise that these tooth enhancements receive, some people would prefer alternatives to the procedure. To aid those patients, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, suggests procedures that may yield similar results to porcelain veneers.

You Could Use the Following Procedures Instead

  • Composite veneers. This option falls under the dental bonding category. Composite veneers serve as an exact alternative to porcelain veneers since they’re both classified as a veneer option. However, the key difference is the material. A composite veneer is made from the same material as a white filling. These veneers cost much less and require fewer appointments for placement. Yet, composite veneers don’t have the longevity or aesthetic appeal as the porcelain variety.
  • Braces. Oftentimes, patients opt for porcelain veneers to correct uneven or crooked teeth. While both procedures may end-up costing about the same in the long run, braces can take up to two years before the desired results have been attained. With veneers, a patient can have brand-new smile in three appointments.
    In these instances, your     Livonia dentist recommends considering the age of the patient. For example, a teenager who wants straighter teeth is better off having a braces for a couple of years. On the other hand, an adult who wishes to have a better looking smile may benefit more from veneers. It’s quicker, effective, and you wouldn’t have to worry about wearing braces during adulthood.
  • Teeth whitening. Another common reason why patients choose porcelain veneers is to brighten their smiles. People with stained or discolored teeth can choose to have a teeth whitening treatment instead. Those procedures usually take about 30 minutes to complete and the results produce beautiful, pearl-white teeth.
    The only downside to only opting for whitening is that some stains don’t take well to bleaching. In other words, the results you anticipate may not appear, which is a point to consider.

Talk to Your Livonia Dentist about Cosmetic Dentistry

Your Livonia dentist offers a number of cosmetic dental procedures to transform his patient’s smiles. If you’re considering a cosmetic dental procedure, like porcelain veneers or a similar substitute, talk to Dr. Stewart. Together, you and he can decide which options will provide you with the most successful results. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

filed under: Uncategorized

Tags: ,